Newcastle Municipality intervenes after murders rock Osizweni
The leadership of Newcastle held a community engagement after the gang violence was blamed.
The murder of five people in Osizweni over the weekend has been blamed on gangsterism which has plagued the area in recent years.
Responding to the brutal killings, Newcastle Mayor, Xolani Dube, Speaker of Council Thengi Zulu, and Amajuba district commissioner, Major General Alexander, visited the victims’ families and met with the Osizweni police and community members yesterday to discuss the situation.
Community members said Osizweni residents have experienced gangsterism ‘for a long time’ with boys as young as 13 terrorising residents.
Various reports and videos have circulated on social media of young boys walking the streets in Osizweni brandishing knives and pangas spreading fear in the township.
Addressing the community, Alexander urged residents to report any police members whom the community has accused of not executing their duties.
“We have heard the allegations that those reporting crime at the (Osizweni) police station did not receive help. I will deal with the situation,” he promised.
He recommended that volunteers who patrol the area to provide a modicum of security are regulated and work in partnership with the police.
Dube condemned the violence stating,”We will not tolerate this endless reign of terror in our communities, as government, we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our residents. We will intensify our efforts to eradicate gangsterism and bring perpetrators to justice.”
He further promised that the municipality would work with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served, He urged Osizweni residents to work with the police to eradicate the violence in the area.
“We need a united front against this menace. We cannot allow gangsters to hold our communities hostage. The people of Newcastle deserve safety, security, and peace,” he stated
The community voiced their frustration over years of violence, expressing a deep loss of faith in the local police. Many took to social media to urge KZN police commissioner Lt General Mkhwanazi to step in and address the situation.
The Newcastle Advertiser extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
